From DIYinfo.org
[edit] Knowing what to use
There are many different types of nails and screws out there in the market place and it can be very confusing knowing what to use. So we have listed below some of the most common nails & screws that you would use in carpentry. Remember that these nails & screw come in many different sizes, so be sure to purchase the right size for the job to be undertaken. A good rule to remember is the thicker the material the larger the nail or screw. Also if nailing or screwing into hardwoods or close to the end of the material, be sure to pre-drill the nail and screw holes first.
[edit] Commonly Used Nails
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Flat Head | |
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For rough carpentry work: large ugly head ensures a firm grip. Liable to split wood. | |
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Bullet Head | |
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Commonly used in carpentry. Oval cross section makes it unlikely to split wood if the long axis follows the grain. | |
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Lost Head | |
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General carpentry nail. Head can be punched below surface and the hole filled. | |
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Panel Pin | |
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Small nail for securing light pieces of wood ; usually used in conjunction with glue. | |
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Clout | |
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Large headed for fixing roofing felt, sash cords, wire fencing to wood. Galvanized for outdoor work. | |
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Flooring Brad | |
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Used to hold down floorboards. Good holding power and unlikely to split wood. | |
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Glazing Brad | |
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Headless: used to hold glass into picture frames, window sashes and lino to floorboards. Will not grip if driven too far in. | |
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Masonry Nail | |
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Hardened steel nail for fixing wood to soft brick, breeze block and concrete. | |
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Hardboard Pin | |
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Special head shape countersinks itself in hardboard and can be filled over. | |
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Upholstery Nail | |
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Decorative head used to cover tacks in upholstery work. | |
[edit] Special Purpose Nails
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Carpet Nail | |
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Small nail with broad head. For fixing carpets and fabrics to wood or floorboards. | |
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Annular Ring Nail | |
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For fixing plywood, fibreboard and other sheet materials. Very strong grip but difficult to remove. | |
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Roofing Nail | |
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For securing corrugated iron or asbestos roofing to wooden rafters. Galvanized for outside work. | |
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Pipe Nail | |
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Used to fix guttering and other rainwater hardware directly onto masonry or brick. | |
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Wire Staple | |
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Used to secure wire fencing, upholstery springs and similar hardware to wood. Galvanized for outside work. | |
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Wood Cleat (corrugated fastener) | |
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For butt or mitre joining wood, quickly and easily. For light duty work. | |
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Sealing Roof Nail | |
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Used on corrugated metal roofing. Has a plastic or lead washer under the head. Drive through the high part of the corrugation. | |
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Duplex Nail | |
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Used for assembling concrete boxing or formwork. Lower head grips the timber; upper head facilitates removal. | |
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Flooring Nail | |
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Used to nail floorboards to diagonal sub-floors. Holds like a screw, but easier to drive. | |
[edit] Commonly Used Screws
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Flat Head Screw (Counter Sunk) | |
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Used for general woodwork. The head sinks in flush with or slightly below the wood surface. | |
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Cross Head Screw (Counter Sunk) | |
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Used for general woodwork, but needs a special screwdriver which does not slip from the head. | |
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Round Head Screw (Counter Sunk) | |
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Used for fixing door-handle plates and other decorative fittings with countersunk holes. The head is designed to be seen. | |
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Round Head Screw | |
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Used for fixing hardware fittings without countersunk holes. The head protrudes from the work. | |
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Mirror Screw | |
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Used for fixing mirrors and ' bathroom fittings. The chromed cap threads into the screw head to hide the screw. Do not over tighten. | |
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Nut Head Screw | |
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Used for fixing heavy constructions together and heavy equipment to timbers. Tighten with a spanner. | |
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Invisible Screw | |
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Used for invisible joining of two pieces of timber. | |
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Panel Screw | |
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Used for fixing thin sheets of metal and plastic. Cuts its own thread as it is screwed in. Various types of head are available. | |
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Chip or Custom Board Screw | |
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Used for securing chipboard and its derivatives. Various types of heads are available. | |
